1940: Oklahoma

Area and Population.

The 'Sooner' State (so nicknamed from the famous land rush of April 22, 1889) ranks 17th in area among the states, with 70,057 sq. mi. Nearly three-fourths consists of farm land, but large tracts of the farm area are under lease to the oil companies. In population, the state lost 66,232 in the decade since 1930, and therefore dropped from 21st place to 22nd; the 1940 census shows a population of 2,329,808. The chief cities are Oklahoma City (the capital), 204,424; Tulsa, 142,157; Muskogee, 32,332; Enid, 28,081; and Shawnee, 22,053.

Agriculture.

Although Oklahoma is famous for its mineral resources, it remains substantially agricultural. The major crops are wheat, cotton, corn, hay, oats, and sorghums, in this order. Livestock and poultry are also important; the climate encourages extensive raising of turkeys.

Lumbering.

In the hilly eastern part of the state large quantities of soft pine are cut, and also yellow pine, oak, red gum, and elm.

Mineral Products.

Oklahoma ranks 4th among the states in the total value of its mineral resources; 3d in its production of petroleum, being exceeded only by Texas and California; 4th in its production of natural gas. Petroleum and gas are being produced in more than half of the 77 counties; predominantly in the north central and southwest areas. Oil production is being held down to around 200,000,000 bbl.; the amount in 1939 totaled 160,072,000 bbl. Gas production is also down from the high output of three years ago, to an estimated 275,000,000 M. cu. ft. In zinc production the state is still first, with production in 1939 at 140,379 tons. The total mineral wealth of Oklahoma in 1938 amounted to $272,260,078.

Industry.

Petroleum refining is the leading industry of the state, with products valued at more than three times any other. Meat and poultry products and metal products are next, with closely approximating values; followed by foodstuffs, dairy and bakery products, printing and publishing. In other words, the four leading industries are petroleum refining; the processing of agricultural products; manufacture of machinery; printing and publishing. The second is valued at more than half the other three combined.

Education.

Latest reports from the Superintendent of Public Instruction show that in the school year 1937-38 there were 707,328 residents of school age (6 to 21); 633,750 enrolled in 5,184 schools; including 585,114 whites and 48,636 Negroes. Elementary pupils numbered 500,471; secondary, 133,279. Teachers were 20,459; including white 18,822, Negro, 1,637. They were paid an average salary of $815. Total school expenditures were $27,161,318.

Banking.

The State Banking Department reported on Oct. 2, 1939, that the 183 State Banks had loans and discounts of $22,323,459 (an increase over the preceding quarter); deposits, $56,044,671 (an increase); capital, $7,904,724 (an increase). The cash reserves were 43.9 per cent of the total deposits.

Finance.

The State Treasurer reported for the year ending June 30, 1939, as follows: receipts, $63,323,027; expenditures, $74,714,789. The chief expense items included state funds for education, $22,106,731; old-age assistance and other grants, $17,628,883; direct relief, $1,681,807; unemployment insurance (for six months), $2,820,995. Federal aid funds amounted to $16,223,500.

Events of the Year.

National defense is causing important expansion at Fort Sill, the leading artillery center of the nation. The 1,625 officers and 19,500 enlisted men there are being increased by 22,000 additional officers and men. Additional expenditure for this increase of personnel will add $9,000,000 to the present investment there of $15,000,000.

Thirteen major Federal projects for water supply and flood control within the state have been authorized and are under construction. Included among them are the Great Salt Plains Project, the Hula Dam Project ($6,407,000), the Wister Reservoir ($6,560,000), the Tin Killer Field Project ($12,390,000), the Denison Dam Project ($54,000,000), the Altus-Lugart Project ($6,000,000), the Canton Reservoir Project ($15,000,000). The thirteen projects will cost above $100,000,000; funds already allocated total $12,618,420.

The mile-square Oklahoma City Airport is being used as an intermediate Air Corps Station, midway between the two key bases of the G.H.Q. Air Force: Langley Field, Va., and March Field, Calif. War Department funds of $181,000 are included in the $430,000 being spent there.

In the election, Oklahoma continued its Democratic tradition by giving President Roosevelt a plurality over Wendell Willkie of 125,441 in a total vote of 826,212, or 57 per cent of that total.

State Officers.

Governor, Leon C. Phillips; Lieutenant Governor, James E. Berry; Secretary of State, C. C. Childers; Treasurer, Carl B. Sebring; Auditor, Frank C. Carter; Attorney General, Mac Q. Williamson; Superintendent of Public Instruction, A. L. Crable.

United States Senators:

J. Elmer Thomas, Josh Lee.